You can help wikiHow by improving the current introduction, or writing a new one to match the format described in the Writer's Guide. Please remove this notice once this page has been improved. Notice added on: 2015-08-21.

Steps

1

Understand Alphabetic Order. Alphabetic order is used in both the Dictionary and Thesaurus. It means to arrange in the order of the alphabet. Ex: Apple, Banana, Coconut

2

Understand multiple meaning words. Multiple meaning words are words that have 2 or more definitions or meanings. Using context clues, you can pick which meaning has been used. Ex: You may see flowers in May. The first may is might and the second is the Month May

3

Understand Syllables. Syllables are beats of sound. Place your hand under your chin and say bananas. How many times did your chin touch your hand? That is the amount of syllables in the word. Ex: Rab-bit

4

Understand Guide Words. There are 2 guide words at the top of the dictionary and thesaurus page. These are called guide words.They tell you the first or last words on the page. Ex: abet·above

5

Understand Homophones. Homophones are words that sound-alike but are spelled differently and have different meanings. Ex: Carat & carrot

6

Understand Homographs. Homographs are words that may or may not sound alike or carry the same meaning but have the same spelling. Ex: Bow

7

Understand antonyms and synonyms. Synonyms are words that mean the same thing and antonyms are words that mean the opposite. Ex: The synonym for hate is dislike and and the antonym is love

8

Understand Parts of Speech abbreviations. In the dictionary, there are little letters after the word telling you the parts of speech. These are called parts of speech abbreviations. A list of abbreviations are:

Adjective - adj.

Adverb - adv.

Verb - vb., v., or vi.

Noun - n.

Pronoun - pron.

Preposition - prep.

Conjunction - conj.

Interjection - interj.

Article - art.

9

Understand root words. Root words are words that can have suffixes or prefixes added to it. Ex: Kind

10

Understand prefixes. Prefixes are attached to the front of a root word to add a function. Ex: Unkind

11

Understand suffixes. Suffixes are attached to the end of a root word to add a function. Ex: Unkindly